At the Bowery, Mumford & Sons played to an enthusiastic, considerably British crowd (they took a mid-set poll), who had no qualms with singing out the choruses. The UK showing was understandable considering that Mumford's debut, Sigh No More, has been out for almost six months in their home country. In the States the band is still a relatively new arrival (kind of like fellow major label Brit Little Boots, whose Hands came out in the UK last June and is just getting to the US on March 2nd, the same night she plays Highline Ballroom).

That said, the recorded product is both immediate and familiar. Sigh No More benefits greatly from the production of veteran studioman Markus Dravs (whose credits include Bjork and Arcade Fire's Neon Bible and a forthcoming third album). The harmonies on the record are air-tight and brightly polished. Live, the varnish wears off a bit to reveal the affable, passionate, skilled musicians underneath. They benefit from a concert-hall of voices in support (a thing facilitated by the lyrics, which are clear and earnest). Currently, the band is all potential, and their new songs at the Bowery Ballroom showed promise and an encouraging desire to further loosen the neck ties.

That said, the recorded product is both immediate and familiar. Sigh No More benefits greatly from the production of veteran studioman Markus Dravs (whose credits include Bjork and Arcade Fire's Neon Bible and a forthcoming third album). The harmonies on the record are air-tight and brightly polished. Live, the varnish wears off a bit to reveal the affable, passionate, skilled musicians underneath. They benefit from a concert-hall of voices in support (a thing facilitated by the lyrics, which are clear and earnest). Currently, the band is all potential, and their new songs at the Bowery Ballroom showed promise and an encouraging desire to further loosen the neck ties.

Part of their tour with the Middle East includes Sasquatch Music Fest this May (a lineup which also includes Mumford collaborator Laura Marling). Before that, Mumford & Sons will play shows across Europe.